275 vs 315 Tires
The difference between a 275 tire and a 315 tire lies in their width. The width of a tire is measured in millimeters and refers to the distance between the sidewalls of an inflated tire. The 275 tire size is 275 millimeters wide, while the 315 tire size is 315 millimeters wide.
This means the 315 tire is 40 millimeters wider than the 275 tires. The tire’s width affects the tire’s overall profile and can change the look of the vehicle and its performance characteristics, such as grip and handling.
275 vs 315 Table
This comparison table provides a quick and easy way to understand the differences between two tire sizes.
| 275 Tire Size | 315 Tire Size |
|---|---|
| More comfortable ride | Maximum traction on dry roads |
| Generally less expensive | Better handling performance |
| Better traction in snow, rain, and slush | Suitable for heavier loads |
| Better fuel economy | More attractive appearance |
| Recommended rim width range: 8 to 10 inches | Recommended rim width range: 9.5 to 11.5 inches |
| Smaller than 315 tire size by 40 millimeters | Larger than 275 tire size by 40 millimeters |
| Can replace 315 tire size (shared rim width range) | Can replace 275 tire size (shared rim width range) |
Gas Millage
Generally, opting for wider tires (315) over narrower ones (275) can result in reduced fuel efficiency. Wider tires produce greater rolling resistance and friction with the road, demanding more engine power to maintain speed.
If fuel economy is your main concern, narrower tires might be a better option. However, if handling and aesthetics are more important, the minor drop in fuel economy with wider tires could be acceptable.
Ride Comfort
Consider factors beyond just size differences, such as ride comfort. Generally, 315 tires might be less comfortable than 275 tires due to their larger contact area with the road. The wider contact area in 315 tires can result in a shorter sidewall, contributing to a rougher ride compared to 275 tires.
On the other hand, 275 tires have a higher sidewall ratio than 315 tires, meaning they have taller sidewalls. These taller sidewalls can better absorb shocks, offering a more comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers.
Wet & Snow Traction
Narrower tires, such as the 275 size, can be more effective when driving in snow, slush, and rain. This is due to their higher pressure per square inch, enabling them to penetrate snow and slush more efficiently. Wider tires, like the 315 size, may have difficulty cutting through snow to make contact with the ground.
Other factors to consider when selecting tire sizes include fuel economy, ride comfort, and overall performance. If you often drive in challenging weather conditions, a narrower tire like the 275 size might be a suitable choice.
Dry Performance
The dry road performance comparison between 275 and 315 tires is significant. While the larger tire size of the 315 offers more traction, it also has a higher rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. The 275 offers improved acceleration due to its lighter weight but can be prone to sliding in certain scenarios.
What Does 315 Mean On A Tire?
The number 315 on a tire refers to the tire’s section width, which is the measurement in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall when the tire is mounted and inflated on a rim. In other words, it’s the widest point of the tire when viewed from above. So a tire with “315” in its size code means that it has a section width of 315 millimeters.
The tire size code is usually found on the tire sidewall in a standardized format such as “P315/40r22” or “315/35r20.” The other numbers and letters in the size code indicate other important tire characteristics such as aspect ratio, construction type, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating.
What Is 315 Tire Size In Inches?
The 315 tire size refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. Specifically, a tire with a 315 size has a width of 315 millimeters. To convert this to inches, you would divide the width in millimeters by 25.4 (the number of millimeters in an inch).
Therefore, a tire with a 315 size is approximately 12 inches wide (315/25.4 = 12.40). However, it’s important to note that tire sizes also include other measurements, such as aspect ratio and rim diameter, so the overall size of the tire is more complex than just its width in inches.
How Much Wider Is A 315 Tire Than A 275?
Assuming that you are referring to the tire’s width in millimeters, the 315 tire is 40 millimeters wider than the 275 tires. More specifically, the 315 tire has a width of 315 millimeters, while the 275 tire has a width of 275 millimeters. Therefore, the difference in width between the two tires is: 315 mm – 275 mm = 40 mm.
How Much Taller Is A 315 Tire Than A 275?
If we assume that the aspect ratio and wheel diameter of both tires are the same, let’s consider an example of tires with an aspect ratio of 75 mounted on 16-inch wheels. Their sizes can be denoted as 315/75r16 and 275/75r16 respectively. To calculate the overall tire height, we use the formula: (height of sidewall x2) + rim diameter = overall tire height.
Using this formula, we can determine that the 315 tire size has an overall height of 34.6 inches, while the 275 tire size has an overall height of 32.16 inches. This means that the 315 tire size is approximately 2.36 inches taller than the 275 tire size, assuming both have the same aspect ratio and wheel diameter.
Can I Replace 275 Tires With 315?
Yes, it’s possible to swap out 275 tires with 315 tires, but there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that the wheel’s width falls within the recommended range for the tire width. Typically, a 315 tire can be mounted on a wheel with a width ranging from 9.5 to 11.5 inches, while the rim width range for a 275 tire is 8 to 10 inches.
As you can see, those two tire sizes overlap in the rim width range. That means either of those can be interchangeable. Selecting a rim within the recommended range for each tire size is essential to ensure optimal performance.
Additionally, you should also consider the possibility of wider tires making contact with the suspension components, inner wheel wells, or vehicle fenders, particularly during turns or suspension compression. To avoid any potential issues, it’s best to confirm whether there’s enough clearance for the 275 tires.
